THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7544, 29 October 1902, Page 3

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

WELLINGTON NOTES. [Fkoii Our Cobresi-ondivnt.] WELLINGTON, Oct. 29. Mr Dutiliie's reappearance in the political arena has been a source of joy to the Opposition Party, which recognises in him one of its strongest pillars. His first address did not please all sections of lib party. As a matter of fact, lie freely admitted the beneficial effects of much of the legislation passed during the last decade, and showed himself to gome extent in sympathy with the aspirations of the advanced wing of the Liberal policy by his advocacy of reductions in the duties on the. accessaries of life, the loss of revenus to be made up by an increase of the progressive land tax, which should also serve the purpose of bursting up large estates. His views in this direction did not please the Opposition extremists, who mak& no secret of tiheir detestation, of the Land for Settlements Act. A notable feature of his speech was his explicit declaration that the finances of New Zealand' are at present in a. sound condition, and. that there is no reason for apprehension. This affirmation was repugnant to the feelings of extreme Oppositionists, who ■have since been vigorously discussing the wisdom of their candidate's candid admission. Mr Duthie. poured a heavy 'broadside into the finances of the Railway Department, and hinted insolvency as a result of unsound methods. Doubtless Sir Joseph Ward will have an effective answer to Mr Duthie's criticisms, and it is expected here that he will take an early opportunity of rebutting them,. The Government Party claims that Mr Duthie's Speech wa,s practically a vindication of the Mcnisteriai policy. The local Ministerial organ, winch has been accused of "wobbling" of late-,, indirectly approves of the candidature of Mr Duthie in that it expresses a hop© that our Parliament will continue to be largely leavened by the presence of men of his stamp. The Rev J. Crewes had a good reception at his maiden address in the Newtown. electorate. In concluding a two hours vigorous speech, he said that as chairman of the Conciliation Board, with some of his term of office yet to go, he desired to consult the head of his. Department, and if he could be released from his office he would go to the poll. He was prepared to place himself with the other two Liberal candidates in the hands of the Premier or the party. Let three names go before the Minister or the Liberal Federation on the understanding that two should stand; down when the third was chosen. If his name was struck out 'he would stand down, if not he Would go to the poll against all comer*. He had been a member of the executive of the Liberal Federation since its formation, and he would not be disloyal to his party. Mr Allan Orr has assured your representative that nil the money in the Treasury would not tempt him from contesting the city electorate. He declared he would stand on the Labour ticket no majtter what Mr Seddon said or dictated. From a good source I hear that Mr b. M. Luke will certainly go to the poll for the Newtown electorate whether he is accepted as a Ministerial candidate or not. That Mr Barber is of the same mind is evidenced by his declaration in public print that he does not intend to retire from the contest as rumoured, but will go to the >01l against all comers. Such a • poncjplays right into the hands of the Hon. I. W." Hislop, whose supporters look with delight on the squabbling of their opponents. Mr Tustin is out for Newtown as an Oppositionist, but he is not likely to do muca harm to Mr Hislop. Given a straight contest between Mr Hislop and Mr Luke the latter would certainly win. As it is the disunion of the Liberal forces will probaoly bring victory to the other sideMr George Fisher, M.H.R., had given no intimation of his campaign movements further than requesting his committee to meet All the Liberal candidates for the City and Newtown electorates are awaiting urn Premier's arrival with some anxiety. Some members of the party predict that Mr Fisher, Mr O'Regan and Mr Godber wi»l be nominated in the Government interest for xhe City, and Mr Luke for Newtown. Some interesting, if somewhat ancient political history, was rehearsed by the Key John Crewes, at his meeting. 'Mr Crew?? informed his audience that included 'n jris political pupils was the Hon W. P. Reeves, then known in Christ-church only as a journalist. Mr Crewes and some others formed a' mock parliament, and in the Ministry Mr Crewes was the PostmasterGeneral. " For two years," said the speaker, "we kept Master William in the cool shades of Opposition, but in that mock parliament we taught him something, and he brought our mock parliament policy with him when he came to Wellington."